Early Education (EE) Conference
October 23, 2026 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Double Tree Resort by Hilton, Lancaster, PA
Registration includes a choice of the following:
- Chicken Caesar Artisan Wrap (GF)
- Sliced Roast Beef Artisan Wrap
- Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Wrap
ACSI member rate: $120 (through 10/9/26)
ACSI member rate: $135 (beginning 10/10/26)
Non-member rate: $145
This professional development experience offers:
- Research-based, practical learning you can immediately apply in your leadership.
- Community and encouragement that prepare you to lead with confidence and creativity.
Whether you’re seeking fresh inspiration, meaningful application strategies, or hours toward training requirements, Innovate supports your growth as a Christ-centered educator.
Book your room at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster
Use this LINK to book your room at the ACSI Reservation Group rate of $130 for 2 queen beds. Room assignments can also be made directly with the Hotel’s room reservation department by calling (717) 464-2711. Request the Group Reservation rate for ACSI - Early Education Conference. This Group Rate is available until September 21, 2026.
Location
Double Tree Resort by Hilton
Lancaster, PA
Sessions & Schedule
8:00 – 10:00 Opening Session: The Innovative Early Educator - Dr. Cindy Barnum
Opening Keynote: Innovate: Reimagining Early Education - Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:15 Breakout Sessions (choose one)
- Faith-Filled Routines: Building a Strong Foundation Through Daily Care - Jeannie Forrest
- Responsive Caregiving: Does Attachment Matter in Child Care Settings? - Abby Lobach
- Centers for Multiple Intelligences - Becky Rulapaugh
- Nurturing Musical Growth: Developmentally Appropriate Musical Experiences for Children in Preschool to 2nd Grade - Dr. Deb Wolf
- Ready, Set, Grow! Supporting Potty Training and Positive Development - Rachel Postevka
- From A to Z: Designing an Integrated Alphabet Curriculum for Heart and Mind - Cindy Dodds
11:15 – 11:25 Break
*Lunch times will be assigned
11:25 – 12:25 Lunch BLUE*/Breakout Session RED
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch RED*/Breakout Session BLUE
Breakout Sessions (choose one)
- Session A: That Kid's on My Last Nerve! How to understand and respond to challenging behavior - Dr. Suzie Mohler
- Session B: Science Begins in Early Education! - Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan
- Session C: Executive Function in Our Classroom: Understanding the Brain to Better Support Our Students - Dr. Katelyn Gottier
1:40 – 2:40 Breakout Sessions (choose one)
- Teaching Self-Regulation: Practical Strategies for the Early Childhood Classroom - Jeannie Forrest
- Wonderfully Wired: Exploring Our Sensory Systems - Abby Lobach
- Teacher Hacks-You Know You Want Them! - Becky Rulapaugh
- Nurturing the Gift of Music in the Very Young: Developmentally Appropriate Musical Experiences for Infants and Toddlers - Dr. Deb Wolf
- Little Builders, Big Learning: Creating Outdoor Spaces with Preschoolers - Kevin McIntyre
- Communicating with Clarity: Navigating Hard Conversations with Families and Team Members in Early Childhood - Becky Zarro
2:40 – 2:55 Break
2:55 – 4:00 Closing Keynote: Innovation Requires Early Educators to Be Bold and Different! - Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan
Speakers

Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan
While friends and colleagues know her as Jenny Sue, her students simply referred to as “The Science Lady!” Professor, writer, blogger, consultant, and teacher, Jenny Sue has spent the last 31 years working with teachers to show how science can be used to reinforce skills in math, reading, and writing. Known for her enthusiasm and engaging presentations, get ready for a different kind of workshop-one that will leave you wanting to learn more-especially science!
